Section 7 What Next?

7.1 Checklists

We hope this guide has not left you feeling daunted but rather feeling informed and empowered. There are two things we recommend you do now.

Fill Out The Safe And Secure Protocol

Download and fill out this form with your team (as always being mindful about how you share and store sensitive documents). That will help you zero in on the key risks that you need to prepare for in your current production.

7.2 Identify Your Training Needs

One key take away from the Protocol is the identification of useful training that you and your team members should seek.

So, below (and at the end of each relevant chapter in this handbook) is a list of training and training providers that we have heard good things about. We are actively seeking further recommendations of other good trainings, adapted specifically for independent documentary filmmakers, available at reasonable costs. Please let us know of any you would recommend: contribute@safeandsecure.film

Digital Security Training

Freedom of the Press Foundation organise trainings with the IDA and others and also do bespoke training with teams.

Sign Up to Hear About Safety Training Opportunities

ACOS (A Culture of Safety) Alliance is an unprecedented coalition of news organizations, freelance journalist associations and press freedom organizations working together to champion safe and responsible journalistic practices for freelance and local journalists worldwide.

This Standard Application Form aims at building a database of freelance journalists in need of safety training. This form should help us to reach out to individual freelancers when relevant opportunities for safety training arise, and to coordinate a response to current needs in partnership with news organizations and NGOs.

Bursaries/ Emergency Funds

Bursaries for freelancers who work internationally. You will need to have worked as a freelancer in newsgathering and/or current affairs for a minimum of 18 months. Priority is given to freelancers whose work habitually takes them into hostile environments, and to those with a forthcoming confirmed assignment.

Grants to freelance journalists and their families who find themselves in a critical situation. This may include freelancers who have been threatened, imprisoned, injured, forced into hiding or exile, or killed.